Culvert Assessment and Prioritization for Ecological and Social Resilience in the Blackstone Watershed

This project will support the Blackstone Watershed Collaborative’s culvert training and assessment project that will assist local communities and organizations in the watershed to understand and assess road-stream crossings (culverts) replacement or removal/restoration that will improve ecological and social benefits. The project includes offering 2-day fieldwork trainings and organizing volunteer participants and key professionals to assess approximately 200 culverts in the Blackstone Watershed, with a focus on the high-quality habitat of coldwater fisheries located in the Douglas-Sutton-Northbridge region. The Collaborative will work closely with diverse organizations and municipal partners to prioritize top culvert management actions for ecological and social improvements, provide comprehensive outreach materials, and identify potential funding sources for implementation.